As some of your may be aware, I've been learning how to admin a discussion group. The other admin has gone on vacation for about a week. Some of the behaviors I've been observing has me scratching my head in confusion.
For example, I receive a request from a newbie to join the discussion group. The second I approve the request, I send a message to the newbie to please read the rules, pinned at the top of the page, before posting anything. (I thought that request was crystal clear.) The rules basically state the following: No promoting stuff and No selling stuff. It is clearly explained, from the outset, that the discussion group's purpose is to talk about the writing/creative process of science fiction and fantasy.
Keeping that in mind, one newbie violated all the rules WITH 30 MINUTES OF BEING ADDED! I removed the violation and sent her a private message informing her that her posting had been removed, why it had been removed, and reminded her of the rules regarding NO PROMOTIONS and NO SELLING STUFF. She attempted to argue that she has a right to sell things on the page. I informed her, again, that the purpose of the discussion group is to talk about the writing/creative process ... NOT to sell/promote stuff! That's when she replies back: "If I can't do what I want, then take my name off!" I happily obliged her and BANNED her!
What part of the word "NO" do people NOT understand?
Another thing that the violators need to learn .... Do NOT piss off the Admin! When the Admin has already clearly explained the rules, that doesn't translate into giving permission for flipping off the Admin and posting the violation again.
I just got a snarky response from one of the violators who kept ignoring the rules after he had been warned. The first violation, I removed it and sent a private message reminding him that it is not appropriate to post ads selling anything. I advised him to contact the admins if he had any questions. He ignored me and posted the violations back onto the page! As a consequence, I removed the new violation and I removed him from the group. I sent him a private message informing him that he has been removed from the group due to violating the rules regarding selling. He sends me the following snark: "I guess YOU don't like writers!" (He don't know me!) I wrote back: "I don't like people who REFUSE to respect boundaries!"
Turns out that I'm not alone in dealing with idiots who don't like rules. Another Admin shared with me about how some "troll" challenged him and told him he "was wrong" for enforcing the rules of the group! I can guess what happened next with that "troll". FLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To give another update:
The original Admin for the science fiction writers group decided to retire from being an Admin due to real-life obligations. He turned all the responsibility over to me. I've learned enough to make a few "tweaks" so that any member can nominate anyone to join but the Admin has to approve the applicant. With that change, I've been able to "vet" profiles to see if they are really sentient beings or simply spammers with phony profiles. (I've caught a few.) I've also updated the pinned rules to include a caveat that crowd-funding demands are not permitted and specified that selling sunglasses, purses, shoes, jewelry, football jerseys, and any other such ilk will result in getting banned. I emphasized that the focus of the group is on the process of creative writing and artistry so that we can help each other with critiques and feedback to write better stories and create art.
Well, there were a few who threw a snit-fit about not being able to SELL what they want and made an elaborate production of throwing a tantrum before quitting. My basic response to those who acted obnoxious .... Happy Trails!
